A Heart of Gratitude

The days have rolled around to Thanksgiving week, a blessed time of the year. We naturally contemplate all the ways we can be thankful.

Below is a profound quote that focuses on gratitude, which means a general appreciation of life. The words filled my mind with possibilities. Perhaps you will feel the same.

It tells of simple ways our lives could change if we view our situations with a heart of gratitude. We can easily concentrate on things that are happening in our lives that we wish were different. However, looking at them through eyes of gratitude can change everything. As the first line says: Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life!

Grateful - Jackie

If you choose gratitude, what difference
might that make in your current situation?

To share your answer, post your comment below! 

Creative Connections

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While perched on a comfortable chair in the nail salon, I relished the chance to relax and devour more chapters from my favorite author’s book. Meanwhile, my sweet Vietnamese friend, Lily, created a beautiful set of newly-painted toenails for me. Afterwards, she pulled out her phone to show me the latest picture of her adorable young daughter.

I continued reading while waiting for my toenails to dry. When I turned and reached for my pink and white water container, the woman in the seat beside me smiled and asked, “What are you reading?”

After giving her a brief description, I asked what books she liked. She rattled off a few titles. We laughed about our mutual love of books and also exchanged names.

Mary proudly announced, “I belong to a book club.”

When I responded, “I’m an author,” Mary’s face lite up. “What do you write?”

“I’ve written several books about fear of rejection. They are based on my personal journey of struggling with fear and finding God’s path of freedom. Now I’m passionate about helping others let go of their fear so they can become their authentic self.”

“God has helped me a lot in my life,” Mary said, “but I sometimes still struggle with fear of what others think about me.”

Just then, Ty, one of the other nail technicians, beckoned her to his station for a manicure. Mary smiled at me, “Guess I’m on to part two!”

As she rose I told her, “I have a copy of two of my books in the car and I’d like to give them to you. I’ll connect with you before I leave.”

But a short while later, Mary reclaimed her original spa chair, prompting me to ask,

“What happened?”

“Ty asked me to wait here because he needed to pause briefly and assist another customer. He’ll let me know when he’s ready. Gail, Ty has never done that before. This is all a ‘God thing.’”

I smiled in agreement while enjoying her excitement. “Guess this gives us more time to talk!”

We finished our appointments at the same time, and Mary handed me a note that listed her contact information. As we walked to my car together, I think we both felt like old friends. After signing both books, I handed them to her, along with my contact information.

She planned to read the books and then suggest them to her book club. We promised to keep in touch, which would be easy since she lived only a few blocks from me. Once again, we acknowledged God’s hand in all that had transpired.

A few days later, Mary called about her discovery. “We have a mutual friend—Debbie Burton, whom you know from your Word Weavers critique group. She is the founder and leader of my book club. We taught together at Dover Shores Elementary.”

A few weeks passed. I was already scheduled to do a book signing with two author friends at a bookstore in a neighboring city. When I realized that my good friend Susan, who usually comes with me to these events, would be out of town, Mary’s name popped into my mind.

When I sent an email to Mary inviting her to go with me and help at the bookstore, her answer didn’t catch me off guard. It simply reminded me of myself many years ago when I held back from saying yes to opportunities if there were unknowns involved.

“I received your email last night,” Mary said, “but I wanted time to think about it a bit. Thank you for asking me. I think I’m ready to take a giant step out of my comfort zone and accompany you.”

I was proud of her for saying no to her fears and taking a step forward. Even though it was her first time being involved in this kind of event, she adapted quickly and helped me arrange my book table. I watched her delight as she met the other two authors as well as the people who wandered into the bookstore and stopped at our table. Our friendship deepened because of our  adventure.

God wasn’t finished with His creative connections at the nail salon. During my next appointment, a similar scenario unfolded. I was quietly reading my book, and when I looked up, the woman next to me asked, “What are you reading?”

We exchanged titles of favorite books as well as our names. When Dorothy discovered I wrote about fear of rejection, she said, “I would like to read your book.” I wrote down a title for her.

Like Mary, Dorothy was soon called away to Ty’s station for a manicure. Afterwards, she stopped by my chair. “Could I also have your email because I want to write you after I read your book.”

“Sure, that would be great. I’m glad we met, Dorothy.”

I hope Dorothy will call me, because I sensed sadness in her eyes. She had no pep and gave no indication of happiness. Even when she walked to Ty’s station, her slow steps gave me the impression that she had nothing to look forward to.

God created a beautiful opportunity to offer dignity to Dorothy that day by looking into her eyes, listening to her words, interacting with her, and paving the way for her to read my book that will speak to her heart. I believe God’s plan was for me to be one link in the chain of people who will eventually lead Dorothy to Jesus.

The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.
Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!

Psalm 103:19-21
(New Living Translation)

Have you had an unexpected connection with someone recently? Did you sense that God created the opportunity for you? Click below to share your experience. I hope you will preserve your memory by writing in your journal or another special place.

The Imperfect Pot

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This endearing story that I saved many years ago popped up in one of my folders this week. Perhaps someone will discover something very important today. 

A water bearer in India had two large pots; each hung on an end of a pole that he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it. The perfect pot always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house. The cracked pot always arrived only half full.

Each day for two years, the water bearer delivered only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, fulfilling to perfection the role for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection and felt miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been created to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said sadly.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot. With compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house today, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path. This cheered the pot some, but at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load. So again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bear said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without your being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Actually, all of us are "cracked pots" with unique flaws. Our response to that fact is crucial to what we will become. If we realize our potential, in spite of our imperfections, we naturally reach forward. If we focus on our imperfections, we tend to compare ourselves with others, leading to the false belief that we have nothing to offer. This mindset deceives us into feeling unimportant or insignificant. 

By simply acknowledging our imperfections and moving forward, we will discover that we, like the imperfect pot, can be the cause of beauty. Just as the water bearer saw the unique contribution the imperfect pot could make in pleasing the king, so God sees our full potential and will help us bring pleasure to Him and become a source of beauty to others here on earth. 

[Source unknown]

From Fear to Freedom

If fear of rejection is controlling your life take the rejection quiz and find out.

May this be the year we live in Freedom to be Authentic!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Imagine! We are God’s masterpiece! He wants us to let go of any fear lingering inside of us. And relinquish our “people pleasing” that has kept us striving to be the person others wanted us to be. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our fear so we can shine as the authentic person God created us to be!

Many of you know that fear of rejection defined my life for forty years. The thought of telling others my inner thoughts or opinions or struggles frightened me. In His time, God revealed my false identity and showed me how to give up my deception and freely live as my authentic self.

What has been your personal experience with fear and freedom? Perhaps you grew up with confidence to be your real self. Praise God. And you’ve been able to help others come out of hiding. Great.

Or maybe you’re wondering, “Do I have a fear of rejection?”

I know the feeling. After God set me free, He helped me create my Fear of Rejection Quiz that answers that important question.

This quiz will give you a chance to discover and acknowledge any fear of rejection symptoms you may have. You will also learn about common barriers you may have built to prevent people from knowing who you really are inside. Once you recognize your emotional defenses, you will be able to tear them down and begin living as the authentic person God created you to be!

Take a moment now to see how you score on the Fear of Rejection Quiz! By applying what you learn, you will be able to take steps toward a life of freedom from fear. God will lead the way.  

Please feel free to share this link with others who may be struggling with fear of rejection. You could be the one who helps them take their first steps toward freedom.

With God going before us, we all have an opportunity to experience Freedom to be Authentic!

My Thanks to God

The long-ago song, My Tribute, floated into my heart today. The words drew me into a precious time of singing and thanking God for all He has done for me this year.

May these beautiful words also help you bless God during this Season of Thanksgiving.

MY TRIBUTE 

How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee

To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done

With His blood He has saved me
With His power He has raised me
To God be the glory
For the things He has done

Just let me live my life
Let it pleasing, Lord to Thee
And if I gain any praise
Let it go to Calvary

With His blood He has saved me
With His power He has raised me
To God be the glory
For the things He has done

Songwriter: Andraé Crouch

Grocery Store Experience – Part Two

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The impact of my experience in the grocery store last month didn’t fade away after I related the story in my September blog. The extraordinary events of that day, that involved a store clerk, an old man, and God’s presence, lingered in my heart. (Click here if you want to read the beginning of the story!)

Because of what the store clerk and I witnessed that day, I longed to see him again and relive the wonder. God showed up because of my prayer that morning:

Please help Your presence be obvious in my encounters and conversations with people today.

The clerk and I hadn’t exchanged names, so I called customer service. I described him the best I could, and the man on the phone concluded it was Frank. When I explained I wanted to come to the store to talk with Frank, he said, “He’s working today and will have a break at noon.”

I climbed into my Malibu for the short drive to the store, where I caught the attention of an employee coming out of the customer service area. After explaining my mission, the man pointed to Frank’s aisle.

I turned. There he was, full of energy and smiles for his customers, just as he was the day I stood in his aisle to pay for my purchases.

As the clock approached noon, the service man informed me of his plan to tell Frank that someone was waiting to see him. My excitement mounted. Our reunion was about to begin.

I hovered near Frank’s isle. He finished with his last customer, tossed the “closed” sign on the conveyor belt, and looked up with a huge smile.

“How are you?” He remembered me!

I beamed! “I wanted to come see you again after what happened last month.” He came around the counter and gave me a big hug. After the old man left the store during my first visit, Frank and I talked about our mutual desire to show God's love to others, which formed a natural bond.

We took turns describing how each part of that morning impacted us.

“Thank you for paying the balance of the old man’s bill that day. That was very kind,” Frank said.

“I knew Jesus wanted me to.”

Frank continued, “Every day I encounter that kind of situation, especially with those depending on state funds. I always try to help them.” When I inquired further, he humbly confirmed he paid out of his own pocket.

I also learned that Frank had retired, but returned because he loves being around people and serving on the customer service team. It’s a perfect fit. And obviously part of God’s mission for him.

Then I handed Frank a copy of my September blog. “I wrote this story about our shared experience and I want you to have a copy.” Tears welled up in his eyes. “Thank you so much. I’ll read it during my break and probably cry.”

We agreed that God had orchestrated everything that took place in that narrow check-out aisle, including the chance to acknowledge God to the old man.

After hugging once more, we parted ways. I headed toward the door, but suddenly had an urge to take a picture, almost as if I needed visual confirmation that God’s unique answer to my prayer truly happened.

I called to Frank. “Let’s take a picture as a remembrance.” He immediately recruited a friend to help.

God uses each of us in creative ways to show His love to others.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him
in every place.
 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God
among those who are being saved and
among those who are perishing."
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NASB) 

Many viewers responded to my original post by relating ways God has used them to make a difference in people’s life. I selected a few stories that I hope will inspire you as you seek ways to become the “fragrance of Christ” to those around you.

Pat Hunt

Gail, I read your story about your encounter with the “older” man in the grocery store. You asked your audience if we had unforeseen encounters when God used us to minister to those God put in our path.

Yesterday, in the common area at the Westmoreland Union Manor, I ran into my friend, Bonnie, whom I hadn’t seen for a long time. Her health had declined, so I told her I’d pray for her. She was astounded that I’d write her name in my already-long prayer list. She thanked me and we parted ways, only to be reunited later that day in a local grocery store, by God’s providential timing.

We talked more about God and His Promises in His Word. The word “hope” dropped into my mind, and I told Bonnie to hang onto hope, for without hope we tend to give up. I added, “I’ll find a promise in the Word and claim that for you.”

She got teary-eyed and asked me to let her know the promise. A few hours later, while looking for a card to give to her, I found a small packet of Hallmark cards I’d forgotten about. The front of one card said, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). Wow! That was the perfect verse and promise for her. I felt blessed to write this promise of hope in her card!

I pray each day that God will use me, and I will be ready in season and out of season!

Rebecca Carpenter

I loved your story. I also ask each day how I can help someone. My husband, Alan, always used to say, “We never know who is watching.”

Lois Nobles

Yes, we express God’s love in actions in daily life. Gail is always ready to do this.

I was with a friend and suddenly she chocked up and could not breath or speak normally. Her face became pale and expressionless. I prayed out load, “Breath is God’s inspiration, He maintains our normal body functions, and He is present here and now. We are his spiritual creations. Human mortal circumstances cannot change our perfection and relationship with God.”

Soon after my prayer, she regained her normal breathing and speech. We thanked God for saving her life.

Beth Augee

I love your musings. Besides hearing about how God is using you and your literary giftings, it also shows your continuing sharing of Jesus as a way of life.

That is what Rod and I love to do. In fact, last Monday, while sharing "7 Ways Doing a Puzzle Benefits You" to a group of recovering heart patients, I caught the eyes of a first-timer to our monthly meetings. She had just shared her heart story, including the words, "Well, at least it is better than the alternative (meaning death)."

God spoke through me, as I smiled and said, "Because I am a Christian, the alternative sounds pretty good to me."

She smiled back, and several others, whom I knew are followers of Jesus, also smiled with looks of joy and confirmation. The other attendees heard about the hope that only Jesus can give them.

Fourteen years ago, I had a heart attack and have had several other moderate heart issues since then. Because I wanted to “give back” to the local hospital for their excellent care, I became a volunteer and began visiting heart patients and families in the Cardiac Care unit.

When a national heart support group, Mended Hearts, was in the process of opening a chapter at our hospital, I became involved. I served as president of three chapters over twelve years. Though not a Christian organization, Mended Hearts opened many doors for love and encouragement to people in hours of fear and unknown futures. Volunteering with Mended Hearts gave me many opportunities to share the love and saving grace of God.

Click here if you want to read the beginning of this story in my previous blog.

To comment on this blog, use the box below.

God’s Presence in the Every Day

One morning I wrote my prayers to God in my journal, beginning with these words:

Please help Your presence be obvious in my encounters and conversations with people today.

The next morning, when I opened my journal and glanced at the prayer request I'd written the day before, I laughed out loud! You see, God had caused yesterday’s events to unfold exactly the way I prayed.

Come with me to the nearby grocery store. After perusing the aisles and checking items off my list, I rolled my cart to an available row and stood in line. I bantered with the young man in back of me.

Then I became aware of some kind of confusion at the end of the aisle where an old man was struggling to swipe his SNAP card because his hands were shaking. He handed the card to the clerk, who rang it up at the register. Then came the unexpected announcement, “Sir, you still owe $9.45.”

The bewildered man stared at the clerk and then pointed to the fully-loaded cart, as if to say, “But everything is ready to go.”

I knew the customer couldn’t pay, so I instinctively reached in my purse for my billfold.

The clerk explained to him, “Your card paid the $54 for groceries, but it won’t pay for the wine.”

I piped up, “I’ll pay the balance.”  Inside, I smiled at the irony of paying for the man’s wine rather than healthy food.

The young clerk looked at me hesitatingly, then accepted the $10 bill from my outstretched hand and returned the change. “Thank you, young lady.”

The stooped man swiveled his body to get a glimpse of his rescuer. I smiled at him and declared, “That was from God.”

He scoffed out loud at the mention of God’s name. Now released from his debt, though, he placed both hands on his cart and ambled toward the door.

I stepped up to the counter. “Thank you, again, young lady, for what you did.” (I was really liking the “young lady” part by then.”)

I shrugged my shoulders. “That’s why we’re alive.”

His eyes twinkled and a smile spread across his handsome face. “That is so true. I encounter this kind of thing every day and I try to help.”

“I can tell you know Jesus!” I said.

His smile broadened.

Right there in the aisle of that ordinary, neighborhood store, God’s presence surrounded the four of us. The young man behind me observed all that transpired, and surely God planted a seed in his heart. The unbelieving man’s monetary dilemma shifted to a full resolution, and in the process he heard the name of God. The store clerk received unexpected encouragement that day and also a chance to affirm his faith. My heart exploded with joy, because God had touched each one of us in a special way.

God asks us to be ready “in season and out of season,” because we never know when He might want to use us to carry out His plan.

Do you remember a time you prayed and God answered in an amazing way?

Path of Freedom

A bench next to a tree in a field.

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

You have come to a safe place where we can share our victories and our challenges. Sometimes we need to pause and process what is happening in our lives so we can make progress on our journey of life. 

When God showed me His path of freedom, I was able to let go of my fear of rejection and become the authentic person God created me to be. I don't know where you are on your personal journey, but I hope my blogs and the comments of others will  give you courage to move from fear to freedom. 

Please feel free to ask questions, share thoughts, or give your response to a blog. Simply click on the title of the blog, and leave your comment in the box at the bottom of the page.